Frank Lampard believes Eden Hazard will become one of the best players in the world.

Lampard scored his 200th goal for Chelsea in the 2-0 win over West Ham but Hazard’s stunning display threatened to overshadow the England midfielder’s achievement.

The 34-year-old’s time at Stamford Bridge is nearing its end whether he signs a new contract this summer or not but he is confident that with players such as Hazard (above), Juan Mata and Oscar at the club, they have an exciting future.

Lampard rates the trio so highly that he says they are as thrilling now as when Gianfranco Zola was in his pomp. Lampard said: “Without putting pressure on him [Hazard], I think he’s going to be one of the best players in the world.

“Hazard was amazing [against West Ham] and the last few weeks he has been absolutely top drawer. I said to him he has got everything — he has great potential. He’s only 22 and with the way he’s playing and the ability he has on the ball, he is scaring the life out of people.

“When you have players like that and the level Juan Mata and Oscar have been at all season, then you will score goals.

“It’s an absolute pleasure to play with them. It reminds me of when I came here with Zola and seeing things I’d not seen before.

“The awareness and ability on the ball, the stop-start and how quickly they turn on a sixpence. These boys remind me of that.

“These guys provide a lot of hope for the future. There are a lot of positives at this club. At times they haven’t always come out this season for various reasons but then you see them playing and recognise how young they are.

“Hazard and Oscar have just come into the Premier League and are young and they must still develop and fit into the system. But when you see [what they can do], it’s very exciting for the club. It’s not easy for seasoned professionals to come in at the prime of their career to adapt to the Premier League. We’ve seen that before with players. We can’t expect it every week from them but these boys now are really showing ability. They can make special things happen and that’s what people pay to watch.”

Chelsea’s win over West Ham proved to be a key result in the top-four race with Tottenham losing to Fulham and Arsenal winning at Swansea.

Chelsea are back above Spurs in third and are once again five points ahead of Arsenal, who don’t have the distraction of playing in any cup competition.

Lampard added: “It’s been a very important week for us. This is the business end of the season.

“We saw Arsenal get a good result, Tottenham have lost and we have jumped above them. It’s very important for us, with the difficult run we’ve got, to pick up points when we can as well as these cup games we’re playing in.”

Lampard is now just two goals behind Bobby Tambling on the club’s list of record scorers.

He added: “Obviously, winning the Champions League and Championships are the best but I never thought I would get 200 goals for the club, so I am pleased to get it.”